Optical modulation by fluidic optics utilizing chromatic aberration

ABSTRACT

Optical modulation in the ultraviolet, visible and/or infrared spectrum, for a range of uses including optical computers, dataprocessing and optical information processing systems together with the transduction of gas and liquid fluidic signals and pressure transients to optical and electrical signals, a fluidic optic such as a transmission or reflection elastic lens which includes a fluid-oscillable elastic wall, typically a fluidfilled chamber having at least one elastic wall driven by alternating flow or pulse fluid oscillation means, optically coupled with a light source like a laser which generates at least two different wavelengths, and a sensor. The fluidic optic separates the wavelengths by chromatic aberration, and a stop between the optic and the sensor passes a given wavelength while blocking other wavelengths during a given oscillation mode. The oscillable wall of the fluidic optic can include an elastic or deformable image, diffraction grating, polarizer or hologram.

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De Meat Feb. 8, 1972 [54] OPTICAL MODULATION BY FLUIDIC PrimaryExaminerWalter Stolwein OPTICS UTILIZING CHROMATIC Assistant Examiner-C.M. Leedom ABERRATION ABSTRACT [72] Inventor: Jack De Meat, 4847Southeast Division St Portland 0mg 97206 Optical modulation in theultraviolet, visible and/or infrared spectrum, for a range of usesincluding optical computers,

[22] Filed: Mar. 8, 1967 data-processing and optical informationprocessing systems together with the transduction of gas and liquidfluidic signals Appl' 62l658 I and pressure transients to optical andelectrical signals, a fluidic optic such as a transmission or reflectionelastic lens [521 US. (:1. ..250/2l6, 250/213, 350/161, which includes afluidwillable elastic typically a fluid- 350/180 filled chamber havingat least one elastic wall driven by alter- 51 Int. (:1. ..-.....H0lj3/14 "Ming or P" fluid scillafin means optically 58] Field or Search..350/16l, 179, 180; 250/216, with a light mm like a laser generates250/218 ferent wavelengths, and a sensor. The fluidic optic separatesthe wavelengths by chromatic aberration, and a stop between the opticand the sensor passes a given wavelength while [56] References cuedblocking other wavelengths during a given oscillation mode. UNITEDSTATES PATENTS The oscillable wall of the fluidic optic can include anelastic or deformable image, difiraction grating, polarizer or hologram.3,189,746 6/1965 Slobodin et a]. ..250/216 22 Claims, 9 Drawing FiguresOUTPUT FD'SIGNAUOPTJ \STOP (0PT.)

PATENTEDFEB 8 I972 SHEET 1 OF 3 CONTROL (0PT.)

FLUIDIC OOSRQILLATOR FLUIDIC DEVICE VOUTPUT F SlGNAL U\SENSOR \STOP(0PT.)

OPTIC AL MODULATION BY FLUIDIC OPTICS UTILIZING CHROMATIC ABERRA'IIONThis invention relates to fluidic optics and fluidic optical systems forlight modulation, sensing and recording embodying laser or incoherentlight sources and light sensors disposed cooperantly with fluidicoptics. In addition, in certain embodiments this invention relates tosystems wherein there is provided the optical transduction offluidic-to-electrical energies or of fluidic energy signals to sensed orrecorded data.

The expression fluidic optics is here taken to mean typically an opticmodule or an ensemble of modules of the transmission or reflection kindwhich is characterized by a drumhead chamber having at least oneelastic, flexible and resilient transparent or reflective window orplate which varies in sphericity with the application to fluid (liquidor gas) carried within the chamber of a positive or negative pressure orseries of pressure pulses, resulting in such changes in opticalproperties as linear focal length, chromatic and axial aberration, anddelivered irradiance. In short, a feature of this invention is anelastic lens or mirror which is characterized as responding to apressure differential with changing sph'ericity and, hence, light iscorrespondingly and variously refracted or reflected by such an elasticoptic. Modifications and variations of this illustrative fluidic opticare set out hereinafter.

Taking refraction at a spherical surface for descriptive purposes andusing the elementary laws of optics: If u the distance of say a pointsource of light, v the distance of the image or sensor (or theintersection of the refracted ray with the axis), n the refractive indexof the material comprising the spherical surface, and r the radius ofcurvature of the separating surface then for the surface in air:

it is seen that by changing the value of r, and leaving the other valuesconstant except for v, the value of v will change. Likewise, forreflection from a spherical surface (mirror) in air:

A convex lens behaves like a prism in that it deviates shorterwavelengths (e.g., blue) more than longer wavelengths (e.g., red); thesame being true for the ultraviolet and the infrared portions of thespectrum. (The reverse is true for a concave lens). Here, the visibleportion of the spectrum is used illustratively. Thus, for a fixed lensof the converging type the focal point of blue light will be nearer thelens than the focal point for red light, with intermediate wavelengthsin between. Correspondingly, when lenses of different focal lengths (asin the case of a pulsating fluidic optic) are employed the spread offthe optic axis (i.e., lateral spread, perpendicular spread or spreadthrough a planar or solid angle off the axis) for a given color orwavelength will vary at a given point or plane along that optic axis.This of course is the well-known effect of chromatic aberration.

Included in this invention are coherent (laser) or incoherent lightsources and appropriate electrical or nonelectrical sensors orrecorders, with or without ancillary filters, optics, stops and thelike.

It is an object of this invention to provide elastic and variablyspheric optics which may, for example, have variable focal lengths.

It is an object of this invention to provide an optical system iforlight modulation, particularly that involving laser light.

It is an object of this invention to provide an optical system fordifferentially sensing and/or recording light, particularly laser light.'1

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fluidic w ofvariegated oscillatory powering means which relies upon chromaticaberration phenomena in combination with a stop between the optic and asensor for passing one wavelength while blocking another wavelengthduring a given oscillation mode.

It is an object of this invention to provide optical transducers forfluidic-to-electric energies, as for binary logic, digital switching,information production and data banking, process control, and computerapplications which involve optical or fluidic system interfaces.Similarly, this invention relates to, and has among its objects, a newfamily of analog and digital computers, as for example fluidic logiccircuits having fluidic optics transduction for recording or readout,flip-flop and NOR gates, and pressure-to-electric switches.

Other objects and features of this invention will be evident from thefollowing disclosure.

The principles of the present invention will be better understood fromthe following more detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a view in side elevation of a fluidic optic module known inthe prior art which depicts composite features of various transmissionor refractive (lens) and reflection (mirror lens) fluidic optics;

FIG. 1A shows in side elevation a typical modification of a fluidicoptic which includes a nonelastic optic together with a light source anda sensor;

FIG. 1B is a plan view of a multiple or parallel-type fluidic optic;

FIG. 1C shows in side elevation a compound or series-type of fluidicoptic;

FIG. 1D is a plan view of a fluidic optic system adapted to off-axis oranaxial modulation of a light beam;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fluidic optic adapted to push-pullmodulation of a light beam by changing the linear focal length of thelight beam;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a fluidic optic adapted toirradiance modulation of a light beam;

FIG. 4 is aschematic view in perspective of a fluidic optic adapted tochromatic modulation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view in perspective of a fluidic optic lightmodulation arrangement which incorporates certain features shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown in side elevation a typicalprior art fluidic optic module which depicts in composite form certainfeatures of various refraction or reflection fluidic optics. Thearrangement includes two circularwindows or diaphragms or face members,A and B, at least one of which is flexible, elastic and resilient.Members A and B are shown as parallel and opposing; and are fluidtightand sealed or otherwise affixed in double drumhead manner at their edgesto ring or hoop member D, which is provided with fluidic medium inletand outlet (optional) conduits E and B, respectively, at the peripheryof D.

Alternatively, E and E may enter through the plate A when A is rigid andB is flexible. A and B may be affixed to D in any convenient manner, asby sealant, clamp, wire hoop or the like. The manner by which A and/or Bare affixed to D is usually decided by the form of the fluidic optic,e.g., clamps or the like are preferred when A and/or B are to bereplaced after a given period of service.

Thus there is set out in FIG. I a drumhead chamber or housing which isfilled with a fluidic medium G, as for example a clear refractiveliquid. In communication with G via E is a fluidic pressure source,oscillator or device, providing appropriate pressure to form the opticand, as desired, to provide pressure pulses or signals P, and anoptional fluidic control, which may be a valving or like means.

This invention envisages and sets forth, cooperant and opticallydisposed with the fluidic optic module, a light source S and a sensor orrecorder (not shown in FIG. 1'), as well as filters, stops or otherconventional optic elements, the nature of which are detailedhereinafter.

It is now evident from FIG. I that a whole family of chromaticrefraction and reflection optics is had by (a) varying the nature ofmembers A and B, (b) altering the character of the fluidic mediumchambered at G within housing D, and (c) changing the pressure P of thefluidic medium within G relative to ambient pressure or externalconstraint.

Following are simple examples of fluidic optics obtained by varyinggeneral parameters (a), (b) and/or (c), supra, wherein, in FIG. I, F andF designate different focal points separated by a distance d, with lightrays L" and L traceable backfrom F and F through half-angles a and awhich subtend the optical axis:

Planoconvex lens When member A is a rigid, transparent plate, and B is athin sheet of transparent, flexible and resilient elastomer, theapplication of positive pressure P gives a planoconvex lens havinginfinitely variable curvatures or sphericities B through B".Accordingly, this converging lens may have an infinite series ofchromatic focal points lying along the axis between F and F and throughd, depending upon the size and configuration of the fluidic opticmodule. This fluidic optic, like certain others set out hereinafter, maybe pulsed to-and-fro through a given series of chromatic foci by meansof signals generated by the fluidic or like device.

E is an optional outlet or flow through conduit, which is somewhatdesirable for many applications of this invention, and which can serveto bleed off air upon the initial loading of chamber G; to serve in suchother capacities as a hookup conduit for connecting more than onefluidic optic module in parallel; to carry a pressure-regulating valve;to link with such instrumentation as a manometer (which may havepressure units scaled to lens sphericity, lens-f, linear focal length,or the like) or another fluidic device (e.g., to generate a harmonicfluid body response and, hence, frequency multiplication); and, to actas an egress when the chambered liquid also serves as a coolant (eg, forpreventing undue heat buildup and schlieren).

Biconvex lens When members A and B both are elastic and resilient,plane, transparent sheets, membranes or windows, and a positive P isapplied to the liquid within G, then a simple biconvex chromatic fluidiclens is obtained, with faces A and E equaiiy flexed when the elastic andflexural and like properties of A and B are the same. Should A or B varyin thickness or diameter or be of different material, then structurallyan asymmetric biconvex fluidic lens results, giving in many respects theanalogs of such specialty lenses as the periscopic, the hypergon, andthe metrogon.

Concavoconvex (meniscus) lens When transparent member A curves away fromthe light source S, is of substantially uniform thickness and rigidity,and B is a flexible transparent membrane having its peripheral edgesmounted closely to the peripheral edges of A (i.e., with minimalD-width), or sealed immediately to the periphery of A, with E and Eeither being flattened to allow for minimal D- width or entering andleaving through say the backside of the edge of A, there results withpositive P a converging meniscus chromatic fluidic lens.

Concave-convex lens But, if, in FIG. 1, the width of D is thickest atthe edges, in contrast to the foregoing description of a meniscus lens,a diverging concave-convex chromatic fluidic lens results.

Planoconcave lens When member A is a plane, rigid, transparent window orface member, and B is a semirigid, P-responding member which curvestoward the light source S, the application of pressure pulses P to Ggives a planoconcave chromatic fluidic lens.

Biconcave lens When both A and B members are sernirigid but possessingsome elasticity, and are mounted such that the dimensional width at D isgreater than the thickness or width at the optic axis, and both A and Bcurve inwardly towards each other, then the application of pressure P toG provides a biconcave chromatic fluidic lens.

Reflective (mirror) lenses and optics I have constructed and tested anumber of reflective mirror lenses and their chromatic modifications.These may be said to fall into three general categories: (a)liquid-filled lenses,

one member (e.g., A) of which is reflective (and, as desired, rigid orelastic, plane or nonplanar), and the other member of which (e.g., B) isthe transparent pellicle or elastic window member, as hereinbeforedescribed; (b) gas-filled mirror lenses, wherein member B is elastic andreflective (e.g., metallized), and circumferentially affixed to acuplike or dishlike structure comprising A (usually opaque) and D, withthe usual fluidic conduit E; and (c), combinations thereof, whichcorrespond to the series-type or compound fluidic optic described belowfor FIG. 1C.

Thus, as an illustrative embodiment of this invention in chromaticmirror lens form, in FIG. 1 member A can be a rigid mirror (plane,convex, concave, as desired), to which is affixed at the periphery orvia a hoop or ring member D, a roundel of transparent elastomericsheeting, providing a chamber G, into which liquid can be introduced andpulsed by means of conduit E. The mirror member A can be first or secondsurface mirror, or both. The application of positive pressure to theliquid loading G results in such mirror lenses as planoconvex (which themember A is plane and rigid), biconvex (when both A and B are elastic),concave-convex (when A is concave and rigid to the right He, towards thefoci shown in FIG. 1], and B is elastic), and so on for various otheroptical configurations.

Alternatively, members A plus D (compare the mirror lens category (b),supra), can comprise a circular dishlike or cuplike structure, to whichthere is sealed or otherwise affixed (e.g., as by bezel) at the edges areflective, elastic member B. when negative P is applied to the air orgas contained within G, member B curves inwardly to form a concavemirror lens; P, as is indicated herein, may be pulsed or held relativelystatic over substantial periods of time. With positive P on the gasloading the converse is had, a convex mirror lens. I have made lenses ofthis type in special forms, e.g., a mirror lens using a reflective,elastic cellulose acetate replica diffraction grating as member B (ca.l4 l9 lines in), and have obtained good spectral separation for thevisible.

For purposes of clarity and convenience I refer to the foregoingembodiment of my invention as diffraction modulation." Other forms andkinds of fluidic optical modulation are illustratively set outhereinafter.

With respect to combinations of the above (compare (0), supra), therecan be formed a reflection lens of the compound fluidic type, wherein,for example the mirror lens of the kind described above for type (a) He,a mirror member A (rigid) and a flexible, transparent member B, withchamber G loaded with liquid], is provided with a gas-loaded orgas-pressurized and, additionally, possesses a suitably affixed elasticand transparent diaphragm, pellicle or window member. Thus, using A as arigid, plane mirror to which is sealed a liquid loaded chamber G, theapplication of positive pressure against B and with respect thereto, bymeans of a second chamber (see FIG. 1C) or sac facing into and againstB, said second chamber having its own fluid conduit, produces aconcavity in B, providing a planoconcave mirror lens characterized ashaving a liquidloaded face portion. Other variations, especially thosetaken in conjunction with FIG. 1C, will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

Since chromatic aberration is not shown by reflective surfaces, as iswell known in the art, it is necessary in those embodiments and forms ofthis invention to utilize cooperant or interacting light refractionmeans to produce chromatic aberration, of which that ensemble depictedin FIG. 1C may be said to be typical.

The disposition of the light source and the sensor, in accordance withcustomary optical practices, will usually be on the same side, e.g., thesource S will be placed at or near the working focal point and thesensor at an appropriate distance out from the mirror lens, or viceversa, depending of course upon the embodiment being utilized. However,for such specialty ensembles as the Schmidt, member A and/or '6 can bemirrored all but for a transparent window at the center, as desired. Asdesired, for type (b), supra, member A can be transparent, allowing foradditional latitude is the disposition of the fluidic optic cooperantlywith the light source and/or the sensor.

In the present disclosure and for purposes of the claims, the termpressure is taken to mean either negative or positive pressure, orexcursions through a set of pressure values, with respect to (a) theambient pressure environmental to a fluidic optic, which will usually beatmospheric pressure but which may pressures encountered at sea depthsor in outer space, (b) the pressure of a chambered fluidic materialnecessary to form the optic, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown another embodiment of awavelength-separating fluidic optic. A rigid optic (e.g., lens ormirror) is affixed to the face of a flexible member (e.g., B in FIG. 1),in which case it is of diameter somewhat smaller than that of B; or, asdepicted in FIG. 1A, a rigid optic is affixed to or sealed at D to aring, collar or hoop member H, which is equipped with a flexible orrigid member A (as in FIG. 1), which may be transmissive or not,according to the form desired. Likewise affixed to D are E and Econduits, as previously set out (FIG. I), with G being the loadable ordepressurizable space or housing portion of the fluidic optic. S'

is a light source, and the optical axis is so'designated. Member H is ofvariable width t, depending upon the size and form of the arrangement. His typically a hoop or drum casing member characterized as elastic andresilient and responsive to positive or negative pressure pulses orsignals impressed upon the medium carried within G, which may be liquidor gas. Connected to E is a fluidic device. Set out along the opticalaxis are an optional stop and a sensor, which may be electrical ornonelectrical in nature.

Further in FIG. 1A: when the rigid optic is of the refraction variety,it may be fabricated of glass, suitable plastic v(e.g., methylmethacrylate), fused silica, single-crystal alkali halide,polycrystalline alkaline earth oxides or fluorides,- zinc sulfide orselenide, or the like, as may be the case with member A, so as toprovide spectral band passes of a specific or special kind.

In FIG. 1A, the width t of H varies with pressure pulses P applied tothe fluidic contained in G, causing either (a) linear oscillations 180or parallel to the optic axis when member H is of uniform linearelasticity and resiliency, or (b) lateral, offaxis or anaxialoscillations with respect to say the focal point of the optic used as areference out and upon the axis, as when H is not of uniform elasticity(e.g., is thinner) through an arc section. Likewise, t may not becircumferentially the same, the hoop being wider at one section than atsay an opposite sectron.

In FIG. 18 there is shown a typical multiple or parallel-type chromaticfluidic optic. Light sources S1, S2 and S3 communicate via the opticaxis with sensors or recorders R1, R2 and R3. In turn, both lightsources and sensors are in mutual communication with a multiple fluidicoptic having a fluid-charged chamber G, a hoop, sidewall or otherfluid-containing structure D1, with inlet and outlet E and E for fluidicpressure signals P. A is say a plate of flat, clear glass, plastic orthe like affixed to the lower edge of D1. B1, B2 and B3 are elasticwindow or face members analogous to B in FIG. 1. Alternatively, B1, B2and/or B3 can be rigid optics corresponding to the optic of FIG. 1A, inwhich instance there is provided linearly or laterally elastic hoop,ring or like mountings H1, H2 and/or H3, being analogous to H in FIG.1A. Typically, B1, B2 and B3 are circular, and are mounted side by sideinto a rectangular chamber G having sides and ends formed by D1.

Generally, a parallel wavelength-separating fluidic optic having acommon chamber G will exhibit a slight time lapse or phase differencebetween the reactances of individual wavelength-separating fluidic opticelements. Also, depending upon the size, configuration and spacing ofthe optics, there may be a sequential dropoff in the reactance of agiven optic, usually being the less the more individual optics there arebetween it and the actuating fluidic device. These provide basicparameters from which to work in terms of time and amplitude, i.e.,degree of sphericity, other factors being equal. By

the same token, the individual optics comprising the parallel fluidicoptic like that of FIG. 18 need not be of the same size, configuration,optical qualities, resiliencies and amplitudes, and the like. Lightsources and sensors may be the same or different, as desired.

Alternatively in FIG. 18, a single light source and/or a single sensormay be optically coupled to one or more of the wavelength-separatingfluidic optics by means of a light pipe such as fiber optics (coherentor incoherent). Thus, with a single light source a three-way, branchedfiber optic light guide communicates with B1, B2 and B3; and athree-way, branched fiber optic, in turn, picks up the output from thefluidic optics and feeds into a single sensor. When the sensor has anadequate response time, the three slightly out of phasefluidicto-optical energy signals are picked up in sequence by the onesensor. This sensor can feed into a circuit which discriminates and/orfilters on the basis of response time (or'interval), light intensity, orthe like. I

The foregoing exemplifies how fiber optics and like light guides can beemployed in the present invention. Since fiber optics conduct lightthrough acute angles, with or without subdivision, and, when of hightransmissivity, the output shows little diminution of intensity.Furthermore, fiber optic elements in plate form of say approximately thesame diameter as the fluidic optic (or of the entering beam width or ofthe departing beam width) are sometimes conveniently placed in a fluidicoptic system, especially in instances requiring light of a high degreeof collimation. This facet of the present disclosure need not bedetailed here, for it is well known to those skilled in the art.

In FIG. 1C there is set forth a compound or series type ofwavelength-separating fluidic optic. Light source S, optic axis andsensor are as previously described. FIG. 1C is substantially atwo-chambered fluidic optic or a two-chambered optic at least one ofwhich chambers or optics is a solid or conventional optic, aligned oroptically disposed in communication with each other, so as to modify alight beam in the manner of a compound lens or optical train. In FIG. 1Cthe compound fluidic optic has chambers G and G1, having in one formfluidic inlet-outlet means E1 and E2 (inlets) and El and E2 (outlets) incommunication with fluidic media, which may carry different signals P1and P2 generated by one or more fluidic devices. A is an element whichmay be a plane window, with B and C the elastic windows forming B and/orC, according to the pressure or signal differential introduced intochambers G and GI, and as may be decided by the elastic constants of Band C.

Further in FIG. 1C:

For a planoconcave, wavelength-separating fluidic lens chamber G isfilled with refractile liquid, whereas chamber G1 is pumped with air orgas at a pressure higher than that of the liquid, i.e., sufficient toform a gas-filled biconvex fluidic optic. The liquid G may or may not beheld at static pressure. It is apparent that a planoconcave fluidic lensresults, since the biconvex member does not contribute substantially tolight beam interaction.

Alternatively, FIG. 1C depicts a doublet of rigid, solid optic G (as ofglass, plastic, alkali halide, alkaline earth fluoride or oxide,metallic sulfide and/or selenide (the latter in polycrystalline form,specially suited to optical use) compounded in optical series with achromatic or wavelengthseparating fluidic optic carrying within chamberG1 a liquid of appropriate refractive index. Window A may be dispensedwith, as are El and E1 and, optionally, so is window C; however, windowC can be retained to protect solid optic G from liquid in G1, as in thecase of optic materials which are water soluble or attacked by organicor inorganic liquids. Water, oils, glycols and silicones, forv example,do not present a problem, as I have found from test.

Alkali halide wavelength-separating fluidic optics are especially suitedfor the ultraviolet regions, e.g., down to 0.200 Polycrystallinealkaline earth fluorides and magnesium oxide, also zinc sulfides andselenide, are particularly useful for the infrared region ranging intothe ;,t-l4 portion of the spectrum.

The chamber G (as in FIGS. I and llC) and its fluidic loading may be ofconfiguration other than circular, although a fiat hoop chamber ordrumhead chamber is advantageous for most applications (conventionallenses and mirror lenses are usually discoid). For example, G may betriangular, with E at the base and E at the apex. Chambers of specialconfiguration have the advantage of altering the oscillatory responsecharacteristics of the fluidic optic, as between linear and nonlinear.Thus, while the fiuidic optic is here typically set out as of drumheador like geometry (e.g., D in FIG. I and Dll in FIG. 1B), giving a systemwhich oscillates or resonates in what may be termed a substantiallyfundamental mode or in linear response to fluidic driving pulsations, itwill be evident that modifications of the drumhead or like geometry canprovide a nonlinear system.

The bases for such nonlinear systems are well known in sonics,hydraulics and hydrodynamics, and the theoretical aspects need not bedetailed here. Suffice to say, however, that a nonlinear fluidic optichas several important end use or performance facets, includinggeometries calculated to provide antiresonance behavior. These include:(a) the reduction of chamber or fluid body echo, giving a lessenedsignal-tonoise ratio; (b) the suppression of secondary free oscillationsafter the first forced oscillation, so as to permit an incoming secondforced oscillation to act without undue residual noise caused by reboundfree oscillations from the initial pulse, i.e., the prevention of bothwaveform distortion of a pulse and forced transient vibrations in anelastic member; (c) the production of beats, so as to lower the outputfrequency of the fluidic optic; and, importantly, (d) the converse whichinvolves harmonic generation, to give frequency multiplication.

FIG. 1D is a plan view of a chromatic or wavelengthseparating fluidicoptic system adapted to off-axis or anaxial light modulation. There isprovided a light source S, preferably a gas laser or an injection laserof low beam divergency, a fluidic optic initially mounted say 90 to theoptic axis-l, and a knife edge or like beam gate positioned in front ofa sensor of say the photoelectronic type. The beam gate acts to cut offa portion of the light which strikes the sensor, giving a tare or restvalue for the 90 position. When the fluidic optic oscillates saylaterally between axis-l and axis-II, through an angle a", or at leastoff the 90 positioning to axis-I, more light strikes the sensor and,therefore, there is a larger signal generated by the sensor.

A typical chromatic fluidic optic employed in anaxial modulation is thatof FIG. 1A, wherein the hoop member H is say halved, with twosemicircular components of different elasticities and resiliencies, or,alternatively, the member H is thinner through a segment of the arcdescribed by H, as in the direction the lateral oscillation is to occur.With a sharp knife edge beam gate and a photoelectronic cell lateraloscillations of less than 10' in. are readily discerned. With moresophisticated photomultiplier ensembles deviations through angle a"corresponding to several to tens of microradians may be measured,depending upon the flexural and like qualities of the fluidic optic. Asdesired, a field stop may be positioned in front of the beam gate todelimit the periphery of the oscillating beam.

It is evident that this system is readily adapted to such applicationsas seismometry, vibration and stress analysis and control, edgeprofilometry (the test specimen is the beam gate), and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in perspective of a chromatic or wavelengthfluidic optic system adapted to light modulation, and useful for therecording of digital data in mass memory processes, punched tape foroptical and other computers, and modulation generally. I call thispush-pull modulation, involv ing the to-and-fro impact of the tip of achromatically aberrated cone or section thereof, of light, upon anelectronic sensor or other image-recording means. A chromatic fluidicoptic is pulsed through a series of wavelength-separate focal points,

some of which upon striking the sensor truncate the light cone at one ormore sections down from the apex of the cone, and some of which do notimpact or fall short of the sensor, according to the design.

The rationale behind push-pull modulation is understood from FIG. 2,wherein S is a light source such as a suitable gas laser, 1 is a sensoror image recorder, and B and B" represent optical planes of anoscillating wavelength-separating fluidic optic pulsing through adistance 11'. Thus, a more spheric or curved fluidic optic at oneinstant in its pulsation life will chromatically focus at F (and hencenot impact I), and at another instant in its pulsation cycle into a lesscurved optic will differently focus at F (and hence impact the sensorI); L" and L are the converging rays making up the chromaticallyaberrated or wavelength-separated cone(s) as the optic pulsates betweenF and F. Now, say just the tip of the aberrated light cone strikes thesensor, giving in the case of photosensitive or recording means (andmoving sensor or means, as shown by the arrow), a small image or dotrecording, bit (0). However, when the light cone focuses beyond F andthe light cone is truncated somewhere below the apex or tip of the cone,then a larger aberrated image or dot," bit l is formed.

While there is shown in FIG. 2 a recording medium I which movestranslationally, it is evident that variations of both recording means(or sensor) and direction of motion can be utilized. Thus, a circulardisk of photosensitive, burnable or like nature, spun gradually off itscenter, so as to give a spiral or helical train of bits of data can beused.

When I is an electronic sensor it may be either fixed or moving(translational or rotational), the output signals cor responding inmagnitude to either bit (0) or bit (I In this version the electronicsensor feeds into a discriminating circuit, usually with some prior orsubsequent amplification. Such circuitry is well known in the art.

FIG. 3 represents another wavelength-separating kind of light modulationand information producing system, being in certain respects not unlikethat depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows what I term irradiance modulation,comprising say a fixed electronic sensor, which has an output signal,positioned behind a field stop. As in FIG. 2, the fluidic optic providedwith a light source S, say a laser, pulsates infinitely between opticalplanes B and B and through an arbitrarily shown distance 11', givingconverging light rays L and L". The variously elongated and aberratedlight cone thus produced is variously truncated in sections below F, asat F(t) and F(t). Thus, the irradiance delivered to the sensor can bemade to sequence through a very large series of photometric values,giving output signals which correspond to the sensed irradiances as theymay be passed or blocked by the stop.

Whereas FIG. 3 shows an open stop, the converse can be used; that is, anopaque roundel or disk stop. Such a system may be desirable whensubstantial light fields must be matched with the photosensitive area ofthe sensor for enhanced discrimination in sensed irradiance.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is set forth the basics of a lightmodulation system called chromatic modulation. The oscillating cones oflight from a pulsating fluidic optic are not shown, and for thesereference is made back to FIGS. 2 and 3. Otherwise, in FIG. 4 there isshown a light source S, preferably a white light source or a laser(e.g., gas laser) emitting in at least two different portions of thespectrum (since, by definition, at least two different wavelengths arenecessary for chromatic modulation), which. wavelengths are preferablywidely spaced from one another. Before say an electronic sensor, whichmay be responsive to either or both of the wavelengths, there ispositioned an onion stop." This is typically a stop havingconcentrically spaced circular or arced apertures, as shown in FIG. 4.The two are sections shown in FIG. 4 are designated bl (for blue orshort wavelength) and rd (for red or long wavelength).

It is thus seen from FIG. 4 that a pulsing fluidic optic (compare FIGS.2 and 3, and the previous explanations) will, by its inherent orbuilt-in (as by containing highly dispersive liquid),

by chromatic aberration, throw bl-light and/or rd-light, or shorter andlonger wavelengths, as the case may be, into and out of the circular orarced apertures comprising the onion stop and, hence, onto or not ontothe sensor. Since the sensor output signal corresponds to a yes-or-no oron-off" language, the chromatic modulation system is utilizable forbinary coding and programming.

FIG. is a schematic view in perspective of a slit-stop modulationsystem, being-not unlike the push-pull modulation ensemble shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, but in this case adapted to the vertical tracing offluidic optic signals. As in the previous figures, the elements aresubstantially the same, except that there is placed a slit-stop beforesay a laterally moving photosensitive tape, film or like recordingmedium. When the optic is in a long focus mode during its oscillationthe upper and lower ends of the slit demarcate the tracing, but when thefluidic optic is in a short focus mode there is a foreshortening of thetracings. The long focus mode is represented in FIG. 5 by ray L, and theshort focus mode by ray L". The slit-stop arrangement is adapted torecording data or fluidic device signals at say a low rate, where apermanent photographic or like type of record is desired.

The arrangement set out in FIG. 5, like the preceding modulation systems(especially those of FIGS. 18 and 4, where a great number of variablesmay be introduced into the modulation record), would appear to beparticularly promising for certain cryptographic and relatedapplications involving code or cipher (as contrasted to systemsdepending upon finely resolved images).

For purposes of orientation and generally for the aid of those skilledin the art, a fluidic optic loaded with a refractile liquid may belooked upon as either of two kinds of hydraulic systems in whichoscillations, waves, pulsations, vibrations, or the like transmit power.The two systems are:

l. Alternating flow hydraulic systems which deliver oscillatory power byuniform, alternating movement of the chambered liquid, which is drivenby the fluidic oscillator or other fluidic actuating device. The latterincludes various mechanical and electromechanical pumps and reversingvalve arrangements, well known in the art. Because of the inherentperformance characteristics of the latter and the lossiness from aninitial pulse to a final optic vibration, these may be limited tofrequencies of the order of less than several hundred hertz (providing,nonetheless, process control, certain slow dataprocessing, andinfrasonic transduction applications, for example). These and similarsystems can be made to drive a fluidic optic at exceedingly low rates,e.g., through a full expansion and relaxation cycle in a matter ofminutes or hours or days, as desired, and providing a particular area ofapplications (as in warning and signaling devices for fluidicamplifiers, pressure systems (including gases), and the like). However,with more sophisticated and refined fluidic optic systems incorporatingsmall and precisely designed and operating fluidic devices, frequenciesinto the several kilohertz can be had.

2. The second driving or actuating system is termed pulse hydraulics inthe art, because it transmits pressure pulses with no gross movement ofthe liquid comprising the fluidic optic. Fluidic drivers include, inaddition to certain fluidic devices described subsequently,piezoelectric, moving coil, electroacoustic and electromagnetic, andvariable reluctance actuators. The frequencies may range quite widely,depending upon size and performance characteristics, as for examplegenerally downward from several hundreds of kilohertz.

Fluidic devices are presently classified into (a) active elements and(b) passive elements:

The active fluidic devices require a separate power supply because theyproduce gain; these are of two basic kinds, digital and proportional. Inthe digitaldevice the output varies between discrete energy levels, asdetermined by the control signal; these are also called logic elementsbecause they can perform logic functions. Examples are: wall attachment,induction, edge tone, di'verter, and turbulence. In the proportionalfluidic devices the output of a proportional amplifier has a continuousrange of values since it varies proportionally with the input signal.Examples are: stream interaction, vortex, direct and impact modulators.Usually the various types of fluidic devices can beinterconnected.

The passive fluidic circuit devices, on the other hand, do not require aseparate power supply since they produce no gain. In passive elements,mass flow is the analog of current, and pressure is the analog ofvoltage. Examples are: resistors, inductors, capacitors, delay lines,filters, and fluidic diodes.

Fluidic devices coupled with fluidic optics can usually operate underadverse environments. A wide variety of fluids and structural materialsare available for fabrication. Operation can be reliable in extremeelectromagnetic or corpuscular radiation fields for periods of severalorders of magnitude longer than conventional electronic devices.Radiation pulses, e.g., from nuclear detonations and reactors, usuallydo not impede the performance of a properly designed fluidic devicesystem. Fluidic devices can be isolated from the fluidic optic'(s) bymeans of an appropriate umbilical and use of housings, to enable serviceunder various temperature gradients, vibration and shock. Multifurcatedfiber optics, shock mountings, anechoic housings, and the like, all canserve to maintain the integrity of such an isolation. For fluidicdevices, as is generally the case with fluidic optics, the absence ofmoving mechanical parts offers the potential of high reliability, whilesimplicity is consonant with low cost.

The number of liquids potentially available for loading fluidic opticsis literally immense. These include both inorganic and organic liquids,as well as various solutions. The salient properties include refractiveindex, chemical and physical stability, viscosity, elastomericcompatibility, density and vapor pressure, spectral transmissivity, andthe like. Examples (with refractive indices referred to the NaD line[this, of course, will vary with the particular portion of the spectrumbeing worked]) include: water (1.33), various glycols (1.4), oils(1.5l.6), halogenated naphthalenes and other polycyclics (1.6),methylene iodide (1.74), and solutions of various substances inmethylene iodide (1.79-1 .96). in special versions of a fluidic optic itmay be desirable to utilize liquid at an elevated temperature, or anotherwise corrosive or reactive liquid, e.g., fluorides and chlorides ofsilicon, titanium, tin.

The elastomeric element (eg, A and/or B in FIG. 1), which may be of thetransmission or reflection type, can, as desired for special forms ofthis invention, comprise: (a) a flexible, stretchable diffractiongrating (for the ultraviolet, visible or infrared portions of thespectrum); (b) a reticule or graticule or other scale or reference gridor the like; (c) an antireflection coating; (d) a polarizing component,as of the Polaroid type or polacoat type; (e) a hologram. The latter isof special interest in that an elastic hologram is provided; this isseen to be a series of holograms which, for example, are disposedconcentrically or as a series of annuli, each of the ring holograms"corresponding to a given sphericity or focus of the fluidic optic toprovide, in turn, upon projection and reimaging (image reconstruction,as by laser) a series of holographic images as the fluidic opticsequences through different sphericities or foci (note, also, that forexample, each circular or annulus hologram may be designed to respond toa particular visible or extravisible portion of the spectrum, only; suchband passes are had by use of dichroic filters).

Other special versions include leaving a transparent window of plasticsubstrate in the center of a reflective elastic mirror lens, to enable afluidic optic to be obtained in Schmidt, Bouwers-Maksutor, or likeembodiment. Also, a specialty type of lens can be had, as exemplified bymirroring either A or B member in FIG. 1 (on either or both surfaces)and loading the system with refractile liquid, so as to produce either aplanoconvex or biconvex reflection-refraction fluidic optic. The lightsource is conventionally disposed with the optic, as in front of thereflective surface having compounded thereupon a refraction optic.

lll

Herein, the terms "sensor" and recorder" and like means in communicationwith a fluidic optic are taken to be broadly equivalent. The human eyeincluded, these may be electronic or nonelectronic. Many light sensorsand light-recording devices and methods and means are well known. Thechoice of a particular sensor will usually depend upon the particularform this invention takes, including a consideration of the region ofthe spectrum being worked, and such choices are well within thecapability of those skilled in the art. Auxiliary circuitry and the likemay be chosen from the conventional electronics art, according toreadout in terms of final signal, recording, image, or the like.

The electronic and like sensors include photocells (e.g., photoemissive,photoeonductive, photovoltaic), thermopiles, thermistors, radiometers,bolometers, pyrometers, photomultiplier tubes, and the like. The choiceof a given sensor is decided by, among other things, the spectral rangeinvolved, light flux, sensitivity, and adaptability to amplification orsubsequent readout upon an oscilliscope, tracing machine or striprecorder, or the like. image intensifiers are especially useful at verylow irradiances or when the visualization of a weakly fluctuating lightspot or other light pattern (visible or extravisible) is required.

The nonelectronic and like sensors and recorders include photographicemulsions (halide and nonhalide, black and white and color, alsospectrally specific, e.g., color infrared film), photochromic andthermochromic agents (as in screen form), fluorescent andthermoluminescent and infrared-sensitive phosphor screens, and the like.Punchable, burnable and like paper or plastic or other paper in tape ordisk form have already been mentioned.

For purposes of this disclosure the continuous or pulsed light source istaken to mean coherent as well as incoherent light sources characterizedas generating wavelengths lying in the ultraviolet, visible and/or theinfrared portions of the spectrum. The incoherent light sources are manyand well known, and include filament bulbs, gas and vapor dischargelamps (e.g., alkali and heavy metal, metalloid, the noble gases, and thelike), and incandescent or candeluminescent sources (e.g., the zirconiaare), also specialty light sources such as electric arcs, sparks,exploding wires, doped flames, excited phosphors, shocked gases, and thelike. Light incident to chemical and nuclear explosions, also rocket orother propellant systems, are of interest in connection with militaryapplications of the present invention.

Fluidic optics qualities such as weight, size and cost are unique ascompared to the similar qualities of glass optics; this is particularlytrue for the more conventional optics designed to operate in theextravisual portions of the spectrum. For example: the weight savingover glass can range between 2.4-2.8 (ordinary optical glasses) and 3-6(heavy flint and rare earth glasses). Fluidic optics can range in sizesbetween a few millimeters and several meters in diameter. A conventionalultraviolet lens of say half a meter diameter is extremely costly and,for the short ultraviolet, apparently not yet attained. Because of theirlow cost, fluidic optics can be one-shot, destruct elements in workinvolving exceedingly high mechanical or electromagnetic energy fields.Performance can be had over temperature ranges of say -65 to +425 F. bymeans of appropriate liquid loadings (e.g., pyrazine base fluids, highphenyl and fluorinated silicones, and trimethylolpropane esters), andthe use of improved or composite elastomers (certain of these areflexible to 250 F.).

Finally, while I have endeavored to provide theoretical explanations, Ido not wish to be bound by these, should they prove to be not altogethercorrect.

lclaim:

l. The method of refractively changing by chromatic aberration the pathof a beam of light characterized as containing at least two differentwavelengths which comprises the steps of:

a. placing two discs at least one of which is transparent in opticalapposition, at least one of the said discs being flexible, and affixingthe two said discs together at their edges so as to provide a fluidtightchamber encased by the two discs;

b. connecting a fluid conduit to the said chamber;

c. filling the said chamber with a transparent fluid;

d. coupling pressure means to the said fluid conduit and to the saidtransparent fluid;

e. actuating the said pressure means and transmitting pressure to thesaid fluid within the chamber, whereby to flex the said flexible discthrough an arc section;

f. passing a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths into the said chamber and the encased fluid,whereby to refractively change by chromatic aberration the path of thesaid beam of light;

g. and sensing a portion of the refractively changed beam of light byplacing a light sensor in optical communication with the said portion oflight.

2. The method set out in claim ll wherein the said fluid is a gas.

3. The method set out in claim l wherein the said fluid is a liquid.

l. The method of sensing a portion of a beam of multiwavelength lightcharacterized as lying in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrumwhich comprises the steps of:

a. generating a multiwavelength beam of light;

b. placing the said beam of light in optical communication with achamber having two transparent windows characterized as sharing a commonoptical axis, at least one of the said windows being elastic andresilient;

c. filling the said chamber with a liquid transparent to the said beamoflight;

d. applying pressure pulsations to the said liquid such that the saidelastic and resilient window is flexed by the said pressure pulsations,whereby to change the sphericity of the said window;

e. refracting the said beam of light by passing the beam of lightthrough the said liquid and the said windows, whereby to separate bychromatic aberration the said multiwavelength beam of light;

f. and sensing a portion of the said separated multiwavelength beam oflight by placing a light sensor in optical communication with the saidportion of separated light.

5. The method of sensing a portion of a beam of multiwavelength lightcharacterized as lying in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrumwhich comprises the steps of:

a. generating a multiwavelength beam of light;

b. placing the said beam of light in optical communication with achamber having two diaphragm members characterized as sharing a commonoptical axis, one of the said diaphragm members being reflective and theother of the said diaphragm members being transparent, at least one ofthe said diaphragm members being elastic and resilient;

c. filling the said chamber with a fluidic material;

d. applying pressure pulsations to the said fluidic material such thatthe elastic and resilient diaphragm member is flexed by the saidpressure pulsations, whereby to change the sphericity of the saiddiaphragm member;

e. reflecting the said beam of light by passing the beam of lightthrough the said transparent diaphragm member and onto the saidreflective diaphragm member, whereby to separate by chromatic aberrationthe said multiwavelength beam of light;

f. and sensing a portion of the said separated multiwavelength beam oflight by placing a light sensor in optical communication with the saidportion of separated light.

6. The method of sensing a portion of a beam of multiwavelength lightcharacterized as lying in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrumwhich comprises the steps of;

a. generating a multiwavelength beam of light;

b. placing the said beam of light in optical communication with achamber having two diaphragm members characterized as sharing a commonoptical axis, at least one of the said diaphragm members beingreflective, elastic and resilient;

c. filling the said chamber with fluidic material;

d. applying pressure pulsations to the said fluidic material such thatthe elastic and resilient diaphragm member is flexed by the saidpressure pulsations, whereby to change the sphericity of the saidreflective diaphragm member;

e. reflecting the said beam of light by passing the light through thechamber and onto the said reflective diaphragm member, whereby toseparate by chromatic aberration the said multiwavelength beam of light;

f. and sensing a portion of the said separated multiwavelength beam oflight by placing a light sensor in optical communication with the saidportion of separated light.

7. The method of modulating a beam of light which comprises the stepsof: generating a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths; optically coupling the said beam of light with anelastic lens; oscillating the said elastic lens through a sequence ofoscillatory modes; passing the said beam of light into the said lensduring the oscillation thereof, whereby to variously refract the saidbeam of light through a series of refractions corresponding to the saidoscillatory modes; passing the said beam of light after the saidrefractions through a stop characterized as parting by chromaticaberration the said at least two different wavelengths; and incidentingthe said light subsequent to the said parting upon a sensor, whereby thesaid sensor receives the said wavelengths through a sequence of timeintervals corresponding to the said oscillations of the variouslyrefracted light.

8. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the said elastic lens includesan elastic diffraction grating optically coupled to the said sensor.

9. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the said elastic lens includesan elastic and deformable image optically coupled to the said sensor.

10. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the said elastic lens includesan elastic and deformable light-polarizing member optically coupled tothe said sensor.

11. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the said elastic lens includesan elastic hologram optically coupled to the said sensor.

12. A combination in an information-processing system of the opticallycoupled ensemble which comprises:

a. an elastic optic characterized as having chromatic aberration;

b. an information-generating means for oscillating the said elasticoptic, the said means being in communication with the elastic optic;

c. a light source generating light of at least two differentwavelengths;

d. a sensor optically coupled to the said elastic optic;

e. and light-delimiting means aligned between the said elastic optic andthe said sensor characterized as parting by chromatic aberration atleast one of the said wavelengths generated by the said light source;whereby the said sensor receives at least one of the said wavelengthsthrough a sequence of time intervals corresponding to the oscillationsof the elastic optic.

13. The method of modulating a beam of light which comprises the stepsof:

a. generating a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths;

b. optically coupling the said beam of light with a fluidic opticcharacterized as having chromatic aberration;

c. oscillating the said fluidic optic through a sequence of oscillatorymodes;

d. passing the said beam of light through the said fluidic optic duringthe oscillation thereof, whereby to separate by chromatic aberration thesaid different wavelengths characterized as passing one of the saidwavelengths and concurrently blocking the other of the wavelengthsduring the said oscillatory mode;

f. incidenting one of the said wavelengths upon a sensor;

g. and producing in the said sensor a train of responses correspondingto the said separated wavelengths and the said sequence of oscillatorymodes of the fluidic optic, whereby to modulate the said generated beamof light.

14. The method set out in claim 13 wherein the said beam of light iscoherent.

15. The method set out in claim '13 wherein the said fluidic optic is atransmission optic.

16. The method set out in claim 13 wherein the said fluidic optic is areflection optic.

v 17. The method of modulating a beam of light which comprises the stepsof: generating a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths; optically coupling the said beam of light with anelastic mirror lens; oscillating the said elastic mirror lens through asequence of oscillatory modes; passing the said beam of light into thesaid lens during the oscillation thereof, whereby to variously reflectwith a concurrent refraction the said beam of light through a series ofreflected refractions corresponding to the said oscillatory mode;passing the said beam of light after the said refractions through a stopcharacterized as parting by chromatic aberration the said at least twodifferent wavelengths; and incidenting the said light subsequent to thesaid parting upon a sensor, whereby the said sensor receives the saidwavelengths through a sequence of time intervals corresponding to thesaid oscillations of the variously refracted light.

18. The method set out in claim 17 wherein the said elastic mirror lensincludes an elastic hologram optically coupled to the said sensor.

19. The method set out in claim 17 wherein the said elastic mirror lensincludes an elastic diffraction grating optically coupled to the saidsensor.

20. The method set out in claim 17 wherein the said elastic mirror lensincludes an elastic and deformable image optically coupled to the saidsensor.

21 The method set out in claim 17 wherein the said elastic mirror lensincludes an elastic and deformable light-polarizing member opticallycoupled to the said sensor.

22. The method of modulating a beam of light which comprises the stepsof:

a. generating a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths;

b. optically coupling the said beam of light with an elastic mirror lenscharacterized as having chromatic aberration;

c. oscillating the said elastic mirror lens through a sequence ofoscillatory modes;

d. passing the said beam of light into the said elastic mirror lensduring the oscillation thereof, whereby to variously refract the saidbeam of light through a series of refractions corresponding to theoscillations of the said elastic mirror lens and separate by chromaticaberration the said different wavelengths present in the said beam oflight;

e. passing the said separated wavelengths through a stop characterizedas passing one of the said wavelengths and concurrently blocking theother of the wavelengths during the said oscillatory mode;

f. incidenting one of the said wavelengths upon a sensor;

g. and producing in the said sensor a train of responses correspondingto the said separated wavelengths and the said sequence of oscillatorymodes of the elastic mirror lens, whereby to modulate the said generatedbeam of light.

a: t: a: a i

1. The method of refractively changing by chromatic aberration the pathof a beam of light characterized as containing at least two differentwavelengths which comprises the steps of: a. placing two discs at leastone of which is transparent in optical apposition, at least one of thesaid discs being flexible, and affixing the two said discs together attheir edges so as to provide a fluidtight chamber encased by the twodiscs; b. connecting a fluid conduit to the said chamber; c. filling thesaid chamber with a transparent fluid; d. coupling pressure means to thesaid fluid conduit and to the said transparent fluid; e. actuating thesaid pressure means and transmitting pressure to the said fluid withinthe chamber, whereby to flex the said flexible disc through an arcsection; f. passing a beam of light characterized as containing at leasttwo different wavelengths into the said chamber and the encased fluid,whereby to refractively change by chromatic aberration the path of thesaid beam of light; g. and sensing a portion of the refractively changedbeam of light by placing a light sensor in optical communication withthe said portion of light.
 2. The method set out in claim 1 wherein thesaid fluid is a gas.
 3. The method set out in claim 1 wherein the saidfluid is a liquid.
 4. The method of sensing a portion of a beam ofmultiwavelength light characterized as lying in the ultraviolet, visibleor infrared spectrum which comprises the steps of: a. generating amultiwavelength beam of light; b. placing the said beam of light inoptical communication with a chamber having two transparent windowscharacterized as sharing a common optical axis, at least one of the saidwindows being elastic and resilient; c. filling the said chamber with aliquid transparent to the said beam of light; d. applying pressurepulsations to the said liquid such that the said elastic and resilientwindow is flexed by the said pressure pulsations, whereby to change thesphericity of the said window; e. refracting the said beam of light bypassing the beam of light through the said liquid and the said windows,whereby to separate by chromatic aberration the said multiwavelengthbeam of light; f. and sensing a portion of the said separatedmultiwavelength beam of light by placing a light sensor in opticalcommunication with the said portion of separated light.
 5. The method ofsensing a portion of a beam of multiwavelength light characterized aslying in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrum which comprisesthe steps of: a. generating a multiwavelength beam of light; b. placingthe said beam of light in optical communication with a chamber havingtwo diaphragm members characterized as sharing a common optical axis,one of the said diaphragm members being reflective and the other of thesaid diaphragm members being transparent, at least one of the saiddiaphragm members being elastic and resilient; c. filling the saidchamber with a fluidic material; d. applying pressure pulsations to thesaid fluidic material such that the elastic and resilient diaphragmmember is flexed by the said pressure pulsations, whereby to change thesphericity of the said diaphragm member; e. reflecting the said beam oflight by passing the beam of light through the said transparentdiaphragm member and onto the said reflective diaphragm member, wherebyto separate by chromatic aberration the said multiwavelength beam oflight; f. and sensing a portion of the said separated multiwAvelengthbeam of light by placing a light sensor in optical communication withthe said portion of separated light.
 6. The method of sensing a portionof a beam of multiwavelength light characterized as lying in theultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrum which comprises the steps of:a. generating a multiwavelength beam of light; b. placing the said beamof light in optical communication with a chamber having two diaphragmmembers characterized as sharing a common optical axis, at least one ofthe said diaphragm members being reflective, elastic and resilient; c.filling the said chamber with fluidic material; d. applying pressurepulsations to the said fluidic material such that the elastic andresilient diaphragm member is flexed by the said pressure pulsations,whereby to change the sphericity of the said reflective diaphragmmember; e. reflecting the said beam of light by passing the lightthrough the chamber and onto the said reflective diaphragm member,whereby to separate by chromatic aberration the said multiwavelengthbeam of light; f. and sensing a portion of the said separatedmultiwavelength beam of light by placing a light sensor in opticalcommunication with the said portion of separated light.
 7. The method ofmodulating a beam of light which comprises the steps of: generating abeam of light characterized as containing at least two differentwavelengths; optically coupling the said beam of light with an elasticlens; oscillating the said elastic lens through a sequence ofoscillatory modes; passing the said beam of light into the said lensduring the oscillation thereof, whereby to variously refract the saidbeam of light through a series of refractions corresponding to the saidoscillatory modes; passing the said beam of light after the saidrefractions through a stop characterized as parting by chromaticaberration the said at least two different wavelengths; and incidentingthe said light subsequent to the said parting upon a sensor, whereby thesaid sensor receives the said wavelengths through a sequence of timeintervals corresponding to the said oscillations of the variouslyrefracted light.
 8. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the saidelastic lens includes an elastic diffraction grating optically coupledto the said sensor.
 9. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the saidelastic lens includes an elastic and deformable image optically coupledto the said sensor.
 10. The method set out in claim 7 wherein the saidelastic lens includes an elastic and deformable light-polarizing memberoptically coupled to the said sensor.
 11. The method set out in claim 7wherein the said elastic lens includes an elastic hologram opticallycoupled to the said sensor.
 12. A combination in aninformation-processing system of the optically coupled ensemble whichcomprises: a. an elastic optic characterized as having chromaticaberration; b. an information-generating means for oscillating the saidelastic optic, the said means being in communication with the elasticoptic; c. a light source generating light of at least two differentwavelengths; d. a sensor optically coupled to the said elastic optic; e.and light-delimiting means aligned between the said elastic optic andthe said sensor characterized as parting by chromatic aberration atleast one of the said wavelengths generated by the said light source;whereby the said sensor receives at least one of the said wavelengthsthrough a sequence of time intervals corresponding to the oscillationsof the elastic optic.
 13. The method of modulating a beam of light whichcomprises the steps of: a. generating a beam of light characterized ascontaining at least two different wavelengths; b. optically coupling thesaid beam of light with a fluidic optic characterized as havingchromatic aberration; c. oscillating the said fluidic optic through asequence of oscillatory modes; d. passing the said beam of light throughthe said fluidic optic during the oscillation thereof, whereby toseparate by chromatic aberration the said different wavelengths presentin the said beam of light; e. passing the said separated wavelengthsthrough a stop characterized as passing one of the said wavelengths andconcurrently blocking the other of the wavelengths during the saidoscillatory mode; f. incidenting one of the said wavelengths upon asensor; g. and producing in the said sensor a train of responsescorresponding to the said separated wavelengths and the said sequence ofoscillatory modes of the fluidic optic, whereby to modulate the saidgenerated beam of light.
 14. The method set out in claim 13 wherein thesaid beam of light is coherent.
 15. The method set out in claim 13wherein the said fluidic optic is a transmission optic.
 16. The methodset out in claim 13 wherein the said fluidic optic is a reflectionoptic.
 17. The method of modulating a beam of light which comprises thesteps of: generating a beam of light characterized as containing atleast two different wavelengths; optically coupling the said beam oflight with an elastic mirror lens; oscillating the said elastic mirrorlens through a sequence of oscillatory modes; passing the said beam oflight into the said lens during the oscillation thereof, whereby tovariously reflect with a concurrent refraction the said beam of lightthrough a series of reflected refractions corresponding to the saidoscillatory mode; passing the said beam of light after the saidrefractions through a stop characterized as parting by chromaticaberration the said at least two different wavelengths; and incidentingthe said light subsequent to the said parting upon a sensor, whereby thesaid sensor receives the said wavelengths through a sequence of timeintervals corresponding to the said oscillations of the variouslyrefracted light.
 18. The method set out in claim 17 wherein the saidelastic mirror lens includes an elastic hologram optically coupled tothe said sensor.
 19. The method set out in claim 17 wherein the saidelastic mirror lens includes an elastic diffraction grating opticallycoupled to the said sensor.
 20. The method set out in claim 17 whereinthe said elastic mirror lens includes an elastic and deformable imageoptically coupled to the said sensor.
 21. The method set out in claim 17wherein the said elastic mirror lens includes an elastic and deformablelight-polarizing member optically coupled to the said sensor.
 22. Themethod of modulating a beam of light which comprises the steps of: a.generating a beam of light characterized as containing at least twodifferent wavelengths; b. optically coupling the said beam of light withan elastic mirror lens characterized as having chromatic aberration; c.oscillating the said elastic mirror lens through a sequence ofoscillatory modes; d. passing the said beam of light into the saidelastic mirror lens during the oscillation thereof, whereby to variouslyrefract the said beam of light through a series of refractionscorresponding to the oscillations of the said elastic mirror lens andseparate by chromatic aberration the said different wavelengths presentin the said beam of light; e. passing the said separated wavelengthsthrough a stop characterized as passing one of the said wavelengths andconcurrently blocking the other of the wavelengths during the saidoscillatory mode; f. incidenting one of the said wavelengths upon asensor; g. and producing in the said sensor a train of responsescorresponding to the said separated wavelengths and the said sequence ofoscillatory modes of the elastic mirror lens, whereby to modulate thesaid generated beam of light.